TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.
Complete Jewish Bible
Likewise the seven lean and miserable-looking cows that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty ears blasted by the east wind - there will be seven years of famine.
Berean Standard Bible
Moreover, the seven thin, ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind—they are seven years of famine.
American Standard Version
And the seven lean and ill-favored kine that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind; they shall be seven years of famine.
World English Bible Messianic
The seven thin and ugly cattle that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty heads of grain blasted with the east wind; they will be seven years of famine.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Likewise the seuen thinne and euilfauoured kine, that came out after them, are seuen yeeres: and the seuen emptie eares blasted with the East winde, are seuen yeeres of famine.
Young's Literal Translation
and the seven thin and bad kine which are coming up after them are seven years, and the seven empty ears, blasted with an east wind, are seven years of famine;
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In the KJVVerse 1,223 of 31,102
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Commentary on Genesis 41 verses 17–32
17 ¶ And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:
18 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:
19 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness:
20 And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:
21 And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke.
22 And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:
23 And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:
24 And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.
25 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.
26 The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.
27 And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.
28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.
29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:
30 And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;
31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.
32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
Here, I. Pharaoh relates his dream. He dreamt that he stood upon the bank of the river Nile, and saw the kine, both the fat ones and the lean ones, come out of the river. For the kingdom of Egypt had no rain, as appears, Zac 14:18, but the plenty of the year depended upon the overflowing of the river, and it was about one certain time of the year that it overflowed. If it rose to fifteen or sixteen cubits, there was plenty; if to twelve or thirteen only, or under, there was scarcity. See how many ways Providence has of dispensing its gifts; yet, whatever the second causes are, our dependence is still the same upon the first Cause, who makes every creature that to us that it is, be it rain or river.
II. Joseph interprets his dream, and tells him that it signified seven years of plenty now immediately to ensue, which should be succeeded by as many years of famine. Observe, 1. The two dreams signified the same thing, but the repetition was to denote the certainty, the nearness, and the importance, of the event, Gen 41:32. Thus God has often shown the immutability of his counsel by two immutable things, Heb 6:17, Heb 6:18. The covenant is sealed with two sacraments; and in the one of them there are both bread and wine, wherein the dream is one, and yet it is doubled, for the thing is certain. 2. Yet the two dreams had a distinct reference to the two things wherein we most experience plenty and scarcity, namely, grass and corn. The plenty and scarcity of grass for the cattle were signified by the fat kine and the lean ones; the plenty and scarcity of herb for the service of man by the full ears and the thin ones. 3. See what changes the comforts of this life are subject to. After great plenty may come great scarcity; how strong soever we may think our mountain stands, if God speak the word, it will soon be moved. We cannot be sure that tomorrow shall be as this day, next year as this, and much more abundant, Isa 56:12. We must learn how to want, as well as how to abound. 4. See the goodness of God in sending the seven years of plenty before those of famine, that provision might be made accordingly. Thus he sets the one over-against the other, Ecc 7:14. With what wonderful wisdom has Providence, that great housekeeper, ordered the affairs of this numerous family from the beginning hitherto! Great variety of seasons there have been, and the product of the earth is sometimes more and sometimes less; yet, take one time with another, what was miraculous concerning the manna is ordinarily verified in the common course of Providence, He that gathers much has nothing over, and he that gathers little has no lack, Exo 16:18. 5. See the perishing nature of our worldly enjoyments. The great increase of the years of plenty was quite lost and swallowed up in the years of famine; and the overplus of it, which seemed very much, yet did but just serve to keep men alive, Gen 41:29-31. Meat for the belly, and the belly for meats, but God shall destroy both it and them, Co1 6:13. There is bread which endures to everlasting life, which shall not be forgotten, and which it is worth while to labour for, Joh 6:27. Those that make the things of this world their good things will find but little pleasure in remembering that they have received them, Luk 16:25. 6. Observe, God revealed this beforehand to Pharaoh, who, as king of Egypt, was to be the father of his country, and to make prudent provision for them. Magistrates are called shepherds, whose care it must be, not only to rule, but to feed.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 17–32. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 41:27 concludes Joseph's divinely inspired interpretation of Pharaoh's two perplexing dreams, specifically clarifying the ominous second part of each dream. Following the explanation of the seven fat cows and seven full ears of corn as seven years of abundance, this verse reveals the impending seven-year period of severe famine that would inevitably follow the years of plenty, setting the stage for a critical period of national preparation.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 41:27 reads, "And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them [are] seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine." This verse provides the second, more ominous, half of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, directly linking the negative imagery to a devastating period of scarcity.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its prophetic message. Symbolism is central, as the "thin and ill favoured kine" and "empty ears blasted with the east wind" are not literal but symbolic representations of the coming famine. The Repetition of the number "seven" and the doubling of the dream's imagery (cows and ears of grain) for the same period of famine serves as a form of Emphasis and Confirmation, underscoring the certainty and divine origin of the prophecy, as Joseph himself explains in Genesis 41:32. The phrase "blasted with the east wind" is a powerful piece of Imagery, evoking a vivid picture of desolation and destruction, appealing to the audience's understanding of the harsh realities of their climate and making the threat of famine palpable.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:27 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over creation and history, revealing His plans to humanity not to cause despair, but to enable wise preparation and stewardship. This divine foresight highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating that even seemingly natural disasters are under His ultimate purview. The consistency of the message across two distinct dreams underscores the certainty of God's word and His intention for it to be understood and acted upon. Joseph's role as the interpreter further emphasizes that God uses human agents, endowed with divine wisdom, to accomplish His purposes, ultimately setting the stage for the preservation of His covenant people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:27 offers profound insights into divine providence and human responsibility. Just as God warned Pharaoh through dreams, He often provides warnings or insights today through various means—whether through the timeless principles of Scripture, the unfolding of circumstances, or the wise counsel of others—enabling us to prepare for future challenges. The immediate implication of this prophecy was the urgent need for strategic planning and resource management during the years of plenty to mitigate the devastating impact of the famine. This principle of foresight, stewardship, and wise decision-making applies to all areas of life, encouraging us to live with intentionality and prudence, recognizing that seasons of abundance often precede seasons of scarcity. Even in the face of impending hardship, the narrative demonstrates God's overarching plan at work, using Joseph's wisdom not only to save Egypt but ultimately to preserve the nascent nation of Israel, reminding us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when circumstances seem dire or uncertain.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Pharaoh have two dreams with the same meaning?
Answer: Joseph himself provides the answer in Genesis 41:32, explaining that "the doubling of the dream means that the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass." The repetition served to emphasize the absolute certainty and the imminent nature of the coming events. It was a divine confirmation, ensuring Pharaoh understood the urgency and the undeniable origin of the message, leaving no room for doubt about its truth or the need for immediate action.
What is the significance of the "east wind" in this context?
Answer: In the ancient Near East, particularly in Egypt, the "east wind" (Hebrew: qadim) was often associated with hot, dry, and destructive weather patterns. Unlike a gentle breeze, it was known for its ability to scorch vegetation, wither crops, and bring desolation to the land. Its inclusion in Pharaoh's dream and Joseph's interpretation vividly portrays the extreme severity and destructive nature of the predicted famine. It indicates that the crops would not merely fail to grow due to lack of water, but would be actively withered and destroyed by a powerful, natural force, underscoring the comprehensive and devastating impact of the seven years of scarcity.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, endowed with divine wisdom, served as a providential deliverer and preserver, saving not only the nation of Egypt but, more significantly, his own family—the nascent nation of Israel—from certain death by famine. This pivotal role profoundly foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ. Just as Joseph strategically prepared for and provided abundant sustenance during a time of great physical scarcity, Jesus Christ, through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and glorious resurrection, provides eternal spiritual sustenance and salvation from the far more devastating famine of sin and spiritual death. He is the "bread of life" (John 6:35) who ensures that all who come to Him will never hunger spiritually, and the "living water" (John 4:10-14) that quenches eternal thirst. Christ's work fulfills a greater spiritual need than any physical provision could, demonstrating God's ultimate plan to preserve His people through His Son, the true and greater Joseph, who saves His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).